‘Knucklehead Hall of Fame’: Leaders concerned about coronavirus clusters around New Jersey

There are concerns about coronavirus clusters around New Jersey, where groups of people have become infected following indoor or outdoor gatherings, including a group of Rutgers University football players.

News 12 Staff

Jul 30, 2020, 9:56 AM

Updated 1,500 days ago

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There are concerns about coronavirus clusters around New Jersey, where groups of people have become infected following indoor or outdoor gatherings, including a group of Rutgers University football players.
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In all, 15 players have tested positive now. The team announced a few days ago it's quarantining the entire team and staff. That decision was made after six positive tests.
The concern for state leaders is not just at Rutgers, but as a result of a number of clusters around the state.
In Middletown, 55 positive cases in teenagers came from a series of parties. A graduation party in Cape May County last month led to 46 cases among New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents ages 16 to 23.

Social gatherings on Long Beach Island resulted in at least 35 cases, and a graduation party in Westfield resulted in 17 cases.
"Every single one of those cases has the potential to infect other people -- their grandparents, their parents, their siblings, friends, loved ones,” says New Jersey State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.
In Jackson Sunday night, neighbors say a house party was attended by more than 700 people. Gov. Phil Murphy says likely many positive tests will come from the gathering alone.
“Yes, it's hot,” says. Gov. Murphy. “Yes, it's summer. Yes, we all want, and in many cases need to blow off some steam, but this is no time for anyone to be vying for induction into the Knucklehead Hall of Fame."
The Scarlet Knights aren't the only football team in the Big Ten in quarantine -- Michigan State has done the same.